I saw Supper Massive’s upcoming Dark Pictures game Directive 8020 in action during Gamescom 2024 and as a true horror fan, I’m super thrilled with what I’ve seen. Let’s enter the vacuum of space.
Into the void
Directive 8020 drops you into a desolate spacecraft, far from the safety of Earth. The atmosphere reminded me of a mix between The Thing and Alien, with Alien’s signature claustrophobic corridors and ominous red emergency lights setting the stage. The developers guided us through a 10-minute demo, and the tension was there from the very first seconds.
What further sets the mood is the purple, gooey substance, the telltale sign of an alien infestation that has started to spread across the ship. It’s reminiscent of the black goo from Alien. As it creeps and pulsates along the walls and floors, it almost feels like the ship itself is being consumed from the inside out. This unsettling atmosphere is highlighted by the subtle but ever-present sound design, with distant clangs and soft screams that had my heart racing even though I wasn’t playing the demo myself.
It’s aliens!
The enemies you’ll face in Directive 8020 are unlike anything seen in previous Dark Pictures games. The demo showcased their horrific design which is a gory blend of humanoid and alien features that seem like an experiment gone wrong. These creatures are more than just mindless monsters; they have a ability to mimic human appearance, but not perfectly. The result is true body horror with designs that could fit in the best horror movies.
As with every Dark Pictures game, player choice is at the core of the experience. The demo showcased that every decision you make could mean life or death for your crew. You’re part of a five-member team, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and personal baggage. In classic Dark Pictures style, you can play the game solo, controlling each character in turn, or in co-op mode with up to five players, each taking on the role of a different crew member.
The demo hinted at the moral dilemmas you’ll face. Do you risk your life to save a crewmate, or do you prioritize your own survival? These choices will not only affect the immediate situation but also have long-term consequences for the story.
Action meets horror
A significant change in Directive 8020 is its shift towards a more action-oriented experience. The developers made it clear that they’ve remade the controls to offer a more fluid, responsive gameplay style that leans into the “on the sticks” experience, or so they said during the briefing. This doesn’t mean the game has abandoned its cinematic roots, though. The demo balanced moments of intense action with the series’ signature slow-burn tension, ensuring that the DNA of The Dark Pictures remains intact.
The combat encounters are more frequent and visceral, with a focus on using the environment to your advantage. Tight corridors, low visibility, create a tense experience that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s clear that Directive 8020 is aiming to blend the best elements of survival horror and action, offering something that feels fresh yet familiar.
Early conclusion:
After seeing the demo for Directive 8020, I’m more excited than ever for the full release. The blend of cosmic horror, intense action, and the important choices that the Dark Pictures series is known for, promises to deliver an experience that’s both terrifying and deeply immersive. The shift in gameplay direction might not be for everyone, but from what I’ve seen, it’s a step into the right direction for sure!
